BUSLOADS of family and fans from Hampshire Police Choir, Havant Rugby Club and Oaklands School in Waterlooville will be descending on Mayflower Theatre next week as one Hampshire actor celebrates his homecoming.

Adam Pearce, who grew up in Bedhampton and has previously understudied the roles of Javert and Thenardier in Les Miserables, is set to make his major musical theatre lead debut as Max Von Meyerling when Sunset Boulevard arrives in Southampton next week.

And some of the organisations he has been involved with over the years will be cheering him on from the stalls.

"I can't wait," he laughs. "It will be brilliant to see so many old faces lending me their support.

"I'm planning a backstage tour and something a bit special for them all.

"It's just been amazing. I didn't know Sunset Boulevard at all before auditions, but it's just such a beautiful piece, so filmic, the score is amazing. I've loved every second of the creation process. I've loved actually creating and finding the character myself.

"We have the biggest touring orchestra this year at 16 pieces, the sound is absolutely mind-blowing. The audience response has also been incredible. we've had standing ovations at every show we've done."

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning masterpiece Sunset Boulevard, also stars internationally acclaimed musical theatre star, Ria Jones, as Norma Desmond.

In her mansion, faded silent-screen goddess Norma Desmond lives in a fantasy world. Impoverished screen writer Joe Gillis, stumbles into her reclusive world and is seduced by her and her luxurious lifestyle. Joe becomes trapped until his love for another woman leads him to try and break free, with dramatic consequences.

The score includes the title track, With One Look, As If We Never Said Goodbye, The Greatest Star Of All and The Perfect Year.

It runs from Tuesday to Saturday.

Tickets: 023 8071 1811 or mayflower.org.uk